Jonathan, Akpabio, Udom, Oku Ibom Ibibio, and others eulogize Governor Eno on his 60th Birthday

Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has described the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as a focused leader whose tenure will be impactful.

Speaking at a special Thanksgiving service to mark the 60th birthday celebration of the Governor, held at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, Dr. Jonathan expressed satisfaction with the state of affairs in Akwa Ibom and the large crowd that turned out to identify with and celebrate the Governor.

He noted that since the return of democracy in 1999, Akwa Ibom has been blessed with good and focused governors, adding that the operational philosophy of continuity has remained a major factor in the development trajectory of the state.

While congratulating the governor on his 60th birthday, he said, “I must say that from Victor Attah down to Udom Emmanuel and the current governor, Akwa Ibom, has been choosing people that are focused. The governor we are celebrating today is focused. He has been here for less than a year, but with what I have seen, I am quite confident he will do very well and will be a good example that the church will be proud of.”

Also speaking, the immediate past governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, said the Thanksgiving service was apt given the many successes Governor Eno has recorded in his life, adding that God has kept him thus far from fulfilling his destiny.

Related: Ibesikpo Asutan Council Boss Celebrates Gov Eno’s 60th Birthday With PLWDs

While recalling some of their experiences during the last electioneering campaigns, he said, “Let me borrow from the man who gave the homily today, he said from Psalm 103: When you want to thank God, you have to go a little bit deeper and be specific. I think that is where the songwriter got it from when he said, Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

On his part, the Senate President and former Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, congratulated the Governor on his birthday and appreciated him for building bridges of peace in the state.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, felicitated the governor on his birthday, stating, “I have watched you within these few months; as a pastor, you have not disappointed the church, as a politician, you have not disappointed us, and as a governor, you have been a very good shepherd. You are the champion of peace in Akwa Ibom State.”

The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, described Governor Umo Eno as a man with the fear of God. “I have known him as a man of peace, and peace radiates around him.

Ntenyin Etuk, who is the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium LGA, added, “He is a man to be trusted. What God has used him to do in the state today is not surprising to me.”

In his thanksgiving, Governor Umo Eno, who was flanked by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings and other members of his family, appreciated God for his life and family, and specifically for being the first grandfather governor in the state.

“I want to say that today is indeed a day to thank God. It is one of my happiest days in life. Something happened inside this hall today, and I know that God is leading Akwa Ibom somewhere.

“I would like to thank God for the life He has given to us, my family. I want to thank him for all the journeys he has taken us through. It has not been easy, but we thank God. From ages past, God has been faithful. Our parents left us when we were very young. Our father died at the age of 50, and I am here today at 60. We just thank God.

“So you can only see that it has been God. If not for God, you can not even lift your head from that kind of burden. So I know where I am coming from, I know my story, I know who I am, and I know that God picked me from the dunghill and brought me to eat with kings. So it is a great privilege, and forever I shall remain grateful.

He recalled the turbulent moments of the last governorship election and appreciated his predecessor for his unwavering support.

The governor, who is widely acclaimed as a man of peace, said, “The fact that Akwa Ibom State is united and we are making progress is a great testimony for me. So we can work together. We can stay across party lines and work harmoniously because, when there is a problem, we will not be able to gather like this. For me, this is the greatest testimony, followed by my health, my wife’s health, and my children’s and grandchildren’s successes.

He appreciated everyone for standing by him and sharing in his moment of joy through charity, felicitations, and prayers, and assured that he would continue to do his best for the general good of the state.